This gravestone is found in the Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky. There is a small graveyard not far from the VC where a small number of the original guides are buried. Most of them were African American, slaves before the Civil War and free after but their work did not really change. They were “leased” to those wanting to set up guide services long before it was a National Park and most of them continued after 1865 but were now earning their own funds. Some guides passed the knowledge on to their children who continued to guide people even after it became a park. The guides were highly respected and this graveyard on property was given to them. You can also see some of their names in the candle smoked writing on the ceilings of the historic portion of the cave. This stone is one of the few remaining in situ.
